[136.06] Array Configuration for the Long Wavelength Array

A.S Cohen, N.E. Kassim, T.J.W. Lazio, P.C. Crane, K.W. Weiler (NRL)

The Long Wavelength Array (LWA) is a next-generation
low-frequency telescope being built in New Mexico by the
Southwest Consortium (UNM, UT-ARL, NRL, LANL). The LWA will
operate at any frequency between 20 to 80 MHz. It will
consist of 52 phased array-dipole stations, each acting in
an equivalent way to an antenna in an interferometric array.
Here, we describe a proposed array configuration and discuss
its properties. Among the many considerations are: (1)
adequate snapshot UV-coverage for calibration (2)
sensitivity to large scale diffuse structure (3) achieving
high resolution with up to 400 km baselines and (4) high
imaging fidelity. Unlike the VLA, the LWA stations are not
movable, so each of these goals must be achieved
simultaneously with a single array configuration. The LWA is
being constructed in phases, and we discuss the capabilities
and considerations of each phase. Basic research in radio
astronomy at the Naval Research Laboratory is supported by
the Office of Naval Research.